Monday 6 September, in a small quiet venue called Club 24 in Soho, London. An event was taking place that saw Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) hold a launch party for their new album “History of Modern.” A crowd of roughly 300, which was made up of VIP guests, journalists and fans got the chance to listen to the first public playing of the new album, the first studio album in 14 years and the first from the original line up since 1986.

As a huge OMD fan I was lucky enough to be invited to take some shots of this event by the sponsors, Panasonic. So I was able to enjoy the entire event very close up and personal. On first hearing the album being played, brought back memories of early new wave punk era, “New Babies New Toys” has a raw edge to it with a great synth sound running through it. The song is a dig at the way the modern music industry is being used and abused by those in the high money making bracket of the business. I am no music journalist so all I will add to this is that the rest of the tracks are varied and several take you back to the time of the early 80’s when music was fun, catchy and enjoyable.

The album was well received and then on to the highlight of the night. Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys took to the stage. They opened up with “Electricity” a true classic of its time that got the room jumping. “Souvenir followed then some of the new tracks were performed live. WOW! Is all I can say to “Green” and “History of Modern Part 1.” The fans loved it and the band seemed to be really enjoying themselves too, constantly having interaction with the fans, several which had travelled from a few countries in Europe. I also met a guy who had travelled over from Eindhoven. As ever the biggest cheer of the night went to Andy’s wild windmilling performance during “Maid of Orleans.”

The applause went on for the usual five minutes as everybody soaked up the adrenalin that comes with the manic, energetic performance. In the end they stayed on stage and performed “History of Modern part 1” again.

The event had gone well and after the show, both Andy and Paul spent a very long time talking to fans, signing autographs, posing for photographs and discussing the new songs. There is one thing about OMD that I have not seen from many other bands, they do have a close and personal attachment to their following, knowing many by name and sight, and even acknowledge individuals during performances.

The good news is that the band in its entirety will be performing in Holland at the Paradiso in Amsterdam on Tuesday 23 November. Tickets can be purchased from www.paradiso.nl or the directly here. So if you want a great night out listening to great music and watching what is one of the best live shows anywhere, go along. Believe me, “Maid of Orleans” live, is worth the entry fee alone.

Text and Photo by Neal McClimon
neal@thehagueonline.com
www.itpphotography.com
 

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